Is It Possible To Cut Singapore’s Workplace Deaths By 50% In 2028?

July 9, 2018

Singapore aims to reduce its workplace fatality rate by around 50 per cent in the next 10 years, and employers have a key role in achieving this.

By 2028, the government wants to set a fatality rate of less than one person per 100,000 workers. Companies in high-risk industries such as the construction sector should particularly review their safety policies. At the same time, investing in more workplace security solutions should be a priority even if it’s just as simply as equipment or product identification labels.

Construction Deaths

Fatalities in the construction industry rose to six cases between January and May from two incidents in the same period of 2017. John Ng, Workplace Safety and Health Council chairman, said that the industry could lower its fatality rate by addressing two issues. In 2017, the construction sector had a fatality rate of 2.6 deaths per 100,000 workers.

On the other hand, the two issues involve an improved workplace safety training and a new protocol for mosquito prevention. Ng said that adopting a holistic approach to improving construction safety is important, due to the forecast growth of activity in the near future.

Holistic Solution

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong agreed that a holistic approach is essential not only for construction employers. The Ministry of Manpower will focus more on smaller companies that struggle with implementing safety programmes.

For this reason, a Total Workplace Safety and Health Service Centre will soon be available to around 300 companies with 3,000 employees. The government plans to expand the centre to other industrial areas based on the facility’s efficiency.

Conclusion

Workplace fatalities and injuries not only place a company at the risk of penalties and lawsuits but also dampen their employees’ morale. By strengthening your safety guidelines, you’re doing your part of maintaining a safe job environment before 2028.